THE EFFECT OF HOT WATER AGEING ON THE GLASS FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE

Abstract

In the present study, the effects of hot water ageing on the glass fiberreinforced epoxy woven composites were experimentally examined. Thespecimens in three groups which undamaged, damaged, and single patchrepaired ones were kept in tap water at 50°C and 70°C temperature for 8days and 16 days. At the end of those periods, the moisture absorption rateswere calculated, the maximum failure loads at the end of period of keepingin hot water were determined and the failure modes occurring on thesespecimens were observed and compared. As a result of experimental study, itwas found that the moisture absorption rates increased but the failure loadvalues decreased together with the increase in water temperature andduration of hot water ageing.